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Friday, August 23, 2002
WENCESLAO: Again, the SK: more feedbacks
By Bong Wenceslao
Now, to the mailbag. My column on the election of officers of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federations generated feedbacks through e-mail and text messages. Here’s an interesting one from Noel Bacalla, who introduced himself as councilor of Barangay Calamba, Cebu City:
“I speak as a former SK chairman myself. I am not for the abolition of the SK but for amending its charter. For one, there was the recent lowering of the age of qualified voters from 21 to 17. That doesn’t make sense to me. There’s a lot of difference between the level of maturity of a 21-year-old and that of a 17-year-old. I think they should go back to the 15-21 age bracket.
“Also, lets face it, even if 3-year-olds run for SK posts, they will still be used by trapos. The Filipino political culture dictates that. Even if you were the mayor, you could have done the same—because that’s just the way it is.
“During my time, I was also interested in running for president of the SK federation. A week before the elections, Joy Young, a city councilor then, asked me not to proceed with my plan as he was already committed “kuno” to the SK chairman of Poblacion, Pardo. It was my first taste of political reality.”
Like Noel, I am also for the adoption of changes in the current setup to shield SK leaders from the obnoxious ways of traditional politicians. But I do not agree with the contention that we should accept partisan politicking as a given. We should continue to find ways to improve the SK concept.
Consider this point from Mono Magallon of Inayawan: “The SK concept is good but the implementation is bad. Worse is when there’s money involved. The 10 percent share of the SK from the income of the barangay corrupts the youth’s ideals. I know because I was once a barangay treasurer.”
One final jab from Rico Abellana of Labangon, Cebu City: “The SK elections just showed that even the youth has not been spared from corruption. What a waste of money. Why start them young? Let’s use the money instead for the poor.”
Here’s a rejoinder from Rick F. to my comment regarding the declaration by the US of the New People’s Army as a terrorist group:
“Communism is a loosely based theory that says that if everyone has the same things everyone would be happy and prosperous. The problem is when you aspire to do better and work harder. Part of what you worked for is given instead to those who haven’t worked as hard. Besides, the only people getting rich (in such a setup) are those in the regime itself.
“As for the US designating the NPA as terrorists, well, there’s really no other name for them. When you extort money from and/or massacre innocent people for your own gains, it's terrorism.
“As for the US being labeled imperialists, that term went out with World War II. Trust me, there’s nobody in America that wants a piece of the Philippines. In fact the taxpayers there really despise having to loan their money to third world countries.”
To Rick F.: Sorry, but your definition of communism is rather simplistic. With regards to “US imperialism,” it is not a tag that one can just put on and off like those attached on goods in department stores. It is a reality. And one should distinguish the “US imperialists” from the ordinary American taxpayer.
MORE TEXT REAX. From Joseph Aliviado of Minglanilla, Cebu: “The Archdiocese of Cebu has agreed to impose standard remuneration for priests. That is a good move. But won’t it give the impression that priesthood is now an occupation rather than a selfless service to God and people?”
From an unidentified texter: “If the Provincial Government is concerned with the condition of the Naga-Uling Road, then it should turn this over to the National Government so it can be properly maintained. It is in a bad state now. Please help.”
Finally, from Buddy Solon of Lahug, on the pasting of the posters of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña: “Tom doesn’t need posters to express his gratitude to the Cebuanos. Buhata lang ang gipang-burit nimo kanamo.”
(For the Text Reax portion, my cell phone no. is 09169114241. Please give your complete name and address. My e-mail address is cowens21@l ycos.com)
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